UKMFTS Failing to Deliver...again
John Healey, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, asked the Secretary of State for Defence:
“What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the disruption to the UK Fast Jet training is minimised over the next three years.”
James Heappey, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, responded:
“Measures being considered include sending further trainees to the NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training programme in the USA; accelerating planning for No 11 Squadron (Joint Qatar/UK Squadron) at RAF Leeming to train RAF pilots from late 2022 until 2027; and working with allies and partners to examine whether UK pilots could be trained overseas, or where we might pool our resources, to mutual benefit.”
“What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the disruption to the UK Fast Jet training is minimised over the next three years.”
James Heappey, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, responded:
“Measures being considered include sending further trainees to the NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training programme in the USA; accelerating planning for No 11 Squadron (Joint Qatar/UK Squadron) at RAF Leeming to train RAF pilots from late 2022 until 2027; and working with allies and partners to examine whether UK pilots could be trained overseas, or where we might pool our resources, to mutual benefit.”
James Heappey, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, responded:
“Measures being considered include sending further trainees to the NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training programme in the USA; accelerating planning for No 11 Squadron (Joint Qatar/UK Squadron) at RAF Leeming to train RAF pilots from late 2022 until 2027; and working with allies and partners to examine whether UK pilots could be trained overseas, or where we might pool our resources, to mutual benefit.”
“Measures being considered include sending further trainees to the NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training programme in the USA; accelerating planning for No 11 Squadron (Joint Qatar/UK Squadron) at RAF Leeming to train RAF pilots from late 2022 until 2027; and working with allies and partners to examine whether UK pilots could be trained overseas, or where we might pool our resources, to mutual benefit.”
Spoiler - its an Adour 951.
The bit about pooling our resources is also a good one, what have we got that we could pool, other than a few instructors ? About as much use as pooling maritime resources after we'd binned Nimrod.
"Sounds like they are now allowed to tailor the buy to meet the budget constraints and accept shortfalls rather than procure properly with a plan that works."
i'm afraid its been like that since at least the 1960's
i'm afraid its been like that since at least the 1960's
CAEBr
I think you may find the problem with the 951 is age (hours) related. The 11 Sqn (and other foreign customers) jets are much younger than the RAF T2s. Hence the problem is potentially not quite so pressing.
BV
BV
I agree, and I was somewhat tongue in cheek. However, if the RAF become the prime user in effect of the Mk167s the usage rate will increase beyond that of the other late export 951 engined fleets. Also, as with the uncontained 871 failures experienced by the USN and the RAAF, even if age/usage plays a part it is not the only element.